Andrew is a seasoned regular in wafting along the smooth tarmac between Fulham and the City on his everyday commute, but is all too aware that it will be a much more substantial challenge when riding up and over two-thirds of the length of the United Kingdom’s toughest terrain.

Alex enjoys a fair weather physical challenge, and in 2011 cycled from Marlow to Paris on a tandem to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research. He is the newest member of the Financial Risks team, so awaits orders on his role in the team…

10 years ago, Carl competed in the Les Deux Alpes to Alpe D’Huez bike race in France and survived on nothing but cold air and ice water! Last year, he competed in the London Triathlon (just the bike leg, though) and barely survived on energy bars and isotonic drinks. This year... watch this space (or the obituaries column!)

Natasha has cycled to work once. She followed the wrong person and ended up in King’s Cross. Needless to say, she is up for a challenge!

Richard bought a brand new bike and all the gear to cycle from London to Southend for the British Heart Foundation in 2013. Whilst training, he upended himself in the entrance to the busiest car-park in Richmond Park as his new clip-in cycling shoes didn’t detach and during the event was comfortably overtaken by a fellow participant dressed in a top-hat and tails and riding a Boris Bike. He has some considerable work to do to get up and over the Scottish Highlands to make it home.

Charlie has minimal competitive cycling experience. The last was in the 2012 London Revolution (185 miles around the capital), but since then his cycling has been limited to some wobbly outings peddling between wineries in the Napa Valley and latterly a few laps of Richmond Park! He is mostly looking forward to the carb loading.